Unlocking year-round tourism

Looking back at Hai Phong's tourism development in recent years, its remarkable progress is undeniable. The rise of the food tour trend has turned the city into one of northern Vietnam's hottest destinations for young travelers. Weekend trains from Ha Noi to Hai Phong are often packed with visitors, while local eateries serving banh da cua (crab noodle soup) and coconut coffee bustle with customers, reflecting the irresistible appeal of the city's culinary scene. At the same time, the spectacular beauty of the Cat Ba Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the iconic Do Son beach continue to attract millions of visitors every summer.

Despite this success, Hai Phong's tourism industry still follows a familiar pattern: overcrowded in summer and quiet during the rest of the year. To eliminate the concept of an "off-season" and create new peak travel periods, the city needs a comprehensive strategy that promotes year-round growth by shifting from spontaneous tourism to more diverse, experience-driven offerings.

First, the city should fully capitalize on the value of the Cat Ba Archipelago during autumn and winter months. Unlike the bustling summer season, Cat Ba offers a tranquil, unspoiled charm in the cooler months, an experience especially appealing to international visitors.

Rather than focusing primarily on beach tourism, Hai Phong should expand ecotourism products, trekking tours through Cat Ba National Park, kayaking in Lan Ha Bay, and luxury cruises combined with high-end resort stays. These products generate greater added value and attract higher-spending travelers from Europe, North America, and Northeast Asia, who typically travel between October and April.

Second, transforming Do Son into a year-round destination is another essential step. In addition to the high-end resorts currently under development, the area should further promote MICE tourism (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions), sports tourism such as golf and sailing, and spiritual tourism. Linking attractions such as Tuong Long Tower, Ba De temple, and K15 Wharf with cultural events and traditional festivals, including the Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival, will create a more comprehensive tourism offering capable of attracting visitors throughout the year.

Meanwhile, cultural and culinary tourism should be elevated from today's organically developed food tours into a long-term strategic product. Hai Phong is known not only for banh da cua and seafood spring rolls but also for its elegant French colonial architecture, comparable to that of Ha Noi, and its rich historical heritage associated with the Cam river, Hai Phong Railway Station, and the Hai Phong Opera House. Developing walking and night tours that combine architectural exploration with signature local cuisine will create distinctive experiences and make Hai Phong an attractive destination both day and night.

Building a year-round calendar of national and international events is equally important. Events such as the Red Flamboyant Festival, sporting tournaments, and beauty pageants not only generate significant media attention but also strengthen Hai Phong's reputation as a host city for major events.

More importantly, these flagship events should be complemented by a continuous series of cultural, artistic, and festival activities to sustain visitor numbers throughout the year.

Finally, digital transformation and regional cooperation will be key to long-term success. Hai Phong should strengthen collaboration with Quang Ninh and Ha Noi to develop the northern tourism "golden triangle" through high-quality multi-destination travel packages. At the same time, the city should intensify destination marketing across digital platforms while applying technology to tourism management and visitor services.

THU HUONG